Author Paul O'Kane breaks down the difference between contemporary video artists' interpretation of art making to our understanding of modern approaches to art making. O'Kane posses the question; "How do the qualities of our tools and materials determine our acts in dialogue with our bodies and minds?" O'Kane highlights early examples of conceptual video art where artists responded to and explored the new technology. Contemporary art is not necessarily a conscious act but often has some degree of distraction and disorientation within the art making process. As artists are more reflexive, spontaneous and more likely to explore the 'performativity' of identity within their work.